Birthday, 7 Days Away!

Because you're awesome, and I'm worth it.

I've been told that my blogs have been a little depressing lately, and frankly, I agree. My blogging doesn't include my actual voice, and I think some of my thoughts on disability and chronic pain have been lost in translation. So... to change that...

September 16th, one week away, my birthday!

I got the Sony PS3 wireless headset and some Blu-Ray movies... and later this month, we can play Gears of War 3 and (hopefully) Dead Island (I don't have it yet — I read that the 360 version is better).

I am very excited! I've been reading, writing, and watching US Open Tennis (Roger Federer is playing so well! Swiss Maestro, greatest of all time). In a few weeks, SLF and I are going on a wonderful little trip to the so-called happiest place on Earth. She's really never been there, so this will be fantastic. Epic. Eventually, we'll come back to reality. But that's okay! It means medications, doctor appointments and everything else, but because of my birthday, I'll have some presents!

You can send me something, too; make sure I remember your birthday!

My ThinkGeek Wish List starts at $4.99 and almost everything is under $35. It's mostly fun, but there are some very useful, potentially life-saving tools and gear on the list as well. The big item, the only one over a c-note, is a laser stars projector. It's rad; I can ponder the importance of ethyl formate while eating raspberries and think about the cosmos, while looking at my own in-home galaxy! (Did you know that the warp drive is theoretically possible, powered by negative energy?)

I've also updated my Amazon Wish List with inexpensive items that I'd love to have! I've loaded it with books, movies and interesting, useful things.

A little something for my birthday goes a long way toward making me feel 'tastic! A few dollars really improve life. I'm such a kid... I love presents. I can always use iTunes gift cards for iOS apps — I'll review them, too! (App devs, I'd love to review your software!)

Also, if you have Netflix service, can you please call them for me and request the addition of Judging Amy to their "watch instantly" offerings? It's not available on DVD and had been off-air for years (was on TNT until 2007 or 08 I think). gmc recently added it to their lineup, but because it's a Christian family channel, they not only sensor language, they skip tons of episodes. Being able to watch that show again would be a great present. (Weird, I know.) Also, while you've got them on the phone, mention Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as well. (You could mention that it's part of Amazon Instant Video.) It's the only series absent from the Netflix line-up.

Chronic pain is such a downer. Enjoy things like sports and other physical activities whenever you can — I never imagined that my athleticism could be taken away so quickly, and I really miss it.

Last wish list item, "gift of time" (not for the faint-hearted):
Please let me know if you'd like to help me hit some tennis balls on the weekends. You don't need to know how to play — I can't really "play" (crippled) — I can rent a ball machine and fire away without running around.

Thanks, everyone!

If you don't have the funds presently, that's okay. Christmas is coming soon enough!
;-) much love.

My birthday wishes!

My birthday is two weeks away! (September 16)

I hope everyone enjoys the long Labor Day weekend. If you feel like being awesome, you could think about sending me something cool. I took a few moments to tweak my Amazon wish list — I added a bunch of books (including Kindle books) for under $10, some stuff and things for under $20, some games, and the Sony Playstation 3 Wireless Headset (I'm particularly interested in that). You can get me something that I want, and it doesn't have to cost a lot!

If you don't feel like sending me a Kindle e-book or something else, perhaps you can send a donation to your favorite charity for me. You can even donate in ways that cost you nothing! Click here to donate to The Hunger Site — you can even help animals, too.

I'd really appreciate a gift off of my wish list. However, I know that sending a gift to a cripple isn't high on everyone's list... you might not like me, or know me, or have the means. That's okay. Take care of yourself. There are so many things that I cannot physically do these days; I used to take my health for granted and I assumed that I'd stay fit and invulnerable. Life is short, and as we get older, time seems to fly by even faster. Try to enjoy each day — each moment — live a good life and do good things... tell me about it or don't, if you're making things better for someone, that's a good gift, too.

My sister turns 18 tomorrow. I can so very clearly remember her first birthday — cake everywhere! Time really does fly by. Make the most of it.

Update on Monday, September 5, 2011 at 8:43 AM by Bradtastic

Hey everyone! I just created a wish list at V2Cigs! Brad’s V2 wish list — help me make the switch to the highest quality American e-cigarette! I read reviews and have personally tried other models… this two-piece looks like a winner.

I love Swedish candy! (Blame Maddy) If you feel like sending me something really special, go to swedishcandy.es — tell the manager (his name is Urban) to send Brad some hallonbatar and zoo. They accept Paypal only (I think)

I can always use iTunes, Gamestop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Playstation Network gift cards. I used to think that cash was better than a gift card, but I’ve changed my mind about that.

Lastly, I’ll actually be around the bay area on and around my birthday this year, too! Let me know if you want to get coffee or something. I’ll be out by the 20th, however. I want to try and hit tennis balls, if you’re into that kind of thing. I can’t really “play” the game anymore, but I can hit straight!

Enjoy Labor Day! (US Open 2nd week on CBS, ESPN & Tennis Channel)

Topical leads to seriousness

I’ve been chatting with Daniel — a “student” of mine — while playing some Borderlands (2K Games’ masterwork RPS — role-playing shooter); he’s figured-out, over this year, that his serious interests involve writing. His love of videogames is a natural outlet, and hopefully, writing about games (or for them?) can become a career for him.

As some readers of mine might remember, I’ve wanted to write about games for some time. I dabble in it, from time-to-time, usually at Gamespot. I tried making a dedicated gaming blog, but never could make enough free-time to pick up the necessary momentum to carry the project along.

I might have another chance now… and an opportunity to do things differently.

In discussing videogame reviews, one facet stood apart — particularly interesting to me — the nature of trust. People generally read reviews to accumulate more information, to make a better decision. However, if the reader doesn’t trust the reviewer, the review won’t mean much — that’s if it’s even read!

Why should anyone trust a review? How can we assess whether or not the author shares similar views, has similar tastes?

At the time, I didn’t think of this thought-trajectory as being particularly-profound, but it lead me to new findings, new ideas and concepts. Free-association, mixed with a bit of luck, I suppose. 

I’ve decided on a few fixes; I thought about what makes me trust a review — and the reviewer, what I think when we don’t share the same tastes, and what makes me come back for more. I also thought about Bradloves and Bradtastic.com, and the future. Indeed, 2010 looks like a turn-around year.

Before I get back to work, I thought I’d mention quickly: I’ve been told that I’m hard to shop for, get gifts for. That’s not at all true. At my Links page, I have two wish lists (so far) — each with gifts ranging the gamut. If you don’t have lists of your own, you should think about making one (or five)!

Happy?

I am. It’s my birthday! Going to play some cards — gamble a bit. Got some stuff in the mail; thanks to Andy and Sullivenom. Just in case… I have my Amazon Wishlist and one at StarCityGames.

I’m going to bring my laptop, so I’ll be able to post. I have a few new books, and I haven’t written anything about the Department of Corrections in quite some time… and I haven’t talked about attraction dynamics in forever. So much with so little free time.